Cuisinart DGB-550 Coffee Maker: QUICK OVERVIEW

Review of: Cuisinart DGB-550BKP1 Automatic Coffeemaker Grind & Brew, 12-Cup Glass, Black 

Category: Coffee Maker

Capacity

Durability

Aesthetics

Affordability

What We Like

• 2-Cup glass carafe
• Grinds whole beans
• Brew-pause feature

What We Don’t Like

• The grinder basket has been reported to open while the machine is in use

Wake up every morning to a hot, fresh, rich cup of coffee with the 12-cup, 24-hour fully programmable Cuisinart DGB-550 coffee maker. This stylish machine also features the convenient brew-pause function, allowing you to easily stop the machine so you can have a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is done.

The 60-ounce stainless glass carafe has an ergonomic handle, a knuckle guard, and an easy-pour spout for mess-free, clean serving. Freshly grinding your coffee beans before each brew is made easy with the built-in grinder, ensuring flavorful, full-bodied coffee.

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Quick NavigationWho Is This Product For?What’s IncludedOverview of FeaturesThe GoodThe BadHow to Use ItAlternativesConclusion

Cuisinart DGB-550 Coffee Maker

This machine boasts sophisticated Italian styling finished with brushed metal. It also has an adjustable auto-shutoff up from 0 to 4 hours feature, so you don’t need to worry if you forgot to turn the machine off. The grind-off feature allows you to use pre-ground coffee, and the charcoal filter removes impurities for delicious pots of coffee.The machine also has a separate filter area and grind chamber, making it easy to access each area for cleaning. Let’s take a look in more detail at the Cuisinart DGB-550 Coffee Maker Review.

Who Is This Product For?

This coffee maker is ideal for coffee lovers who would like to spend less time making coffee and more time enjoying a rich, freshly brewed cup of coffee. It is ideal for use in the mornings and evenings, at dinner parties, or for coffee dates with friends.

What’s Included

In the box, you will find the instruction manual, the glass coffee carafe, measuring scoop, brush, basket papers, and the coffee maker. The coffee maker includes a:

• Reservoir cover
• Showerhead
• Control panel
• Filter basket
• Heating plate
• Power cord
• Grinder basket
• Charcoal filter
• Gold tone commercial filter

Overview of Features

The Good

Built-In Coffee Grinder

The DGB-550 automatically grinds your coffee beans before brewing, ensuring the freshness of the beans and the richness of the flavor. If you prefer using pre-ground coffee, you can switch this feature off.

Glass Carafe

The 60-ounce carafe has an ergonomic handle, a knuckle guard, and an easy-pour spout for mess-free, clean serving.

Brew Pause

This function allows you to easily stop the machine so you can have a cup of coffee before the brewing cycle is done. The machine temporarily pauses when you take the carafe off the hot plate, but resumes when you replace it.

Programmable Brewing

You can set this machine to begin brewing in advance, by up to 24 hours. Simply place your pre-ground coffee or coffee beans and water into the machine, and then change the programmer to when you want the coffee to start brewing. With this feature, you can have fresh, hot coffee ready every morning when you wake up or in the evenings when you get home.

Reservoir Cover

The cover flips back easily for filling and is removable for cleaning. The Interlock System safety feature ensures that operation of the machine cannot occur if the cover is open.

Automatic Shutoff

The DGB-550 programmer also offers an automatic auto-shutoff function which can be adjusted to turn off the machine right after it brews, or in one-hour increments between 0 and 4 hours.

Water Filter

The included charcoal water filter removes most of the impurities that are commonly found in tap water. This makes for a richer, fresher cup of coffee.

Housing

This machine boasts sophisticated black Italian styling finished with brushed metal. 

The Bad

Grinder Basket

The grinder basket has been reported to open while the machine is in use, both when grinding and brewing. It is also occasionally difficult to remove for cleaning. 

How to Use It

Before making your first pot, it is recommended that you run the coffee maker with a paper filter and water. This removes any residue and dust that may be present from the manufacturing process.

Step 1

Pour water into the reservoir. Fill the reservoir with water using the water indicator at the back of the reservoir.

Step 2

Add your coffee. Lift the lid on the grinder basket using the recess located on either side. Place the beans or pre-ground coffee into the basket. Don’t overfill as this may cause the grinder to malfunction or the maker to overflow.

Step 3

Add a paper filter. Place a paper filter into the basket. The filter basket helps keep the filter open, but make sure that the filter is open and touching the bottom and side walls of the basket. Put the basket lid in place and close the filter door.

Step 4

Close and lock the reservoir lid. As the grinder has blades which spin when in operation, the machine will not work if the cover is open thanks to the Interlock System safety feature. Once the reservoir lid is closed, you are ready to start brewing.

Step 5

Replace the carafe. Before pressing the on button, replace the glass carafe on the heating plate.

Step 6

Plug in the unit. Plug the power cord into an outlet. “12:00” will display if you haven’t set the time. This doesn’t affect the coffee maker’s operation.

Step 7

Power the unit

• Grinding and brewing: Push the On button and the process will start
• Programmed brewing: Push the Program button. This will light the indicator while the display shows the programmed time, which can be changed as needed

Step 8

Set the number of cups. If you are making a small amount of coffee, the 1-4 cup button should be used. With some coffee makers, when smaller amounts are brewed, they are colder as the heating plate doesn’t have enough time to properly heat the coffee. This button ensures that the water is double heated so the coffee is as hot as a full pot would be. If you are making five or more cups of coffee, just press the on button.

Step 9

During brewing. The brew-pause function allows you to easily stop the coffee maker so you can have a cup before the brewing cycle is done. When using this setting, replace the carafe within 30 seconds or the basket may overflow. While this feature is offered, it is recommended that don’t use it as it changes the flavor of the coffee left in the pot.

Step 10

After brewing. Once the brewing cycle is done, you will hear five beeps. Once the coffee has finished dripping from the filter, give the coffee in the pot a stir, and it is ready to be served. 

Alternatives

Hamilton Beach 49950C Coffee Maker

• You can brew a full pot or a single cup of coffee
• 2 easy-to-fill reservoirs
• Features a 2-hour auto shutoff
• Regular or bold strength options
• Auto-pause feature when carafe is removed
• Sturdy features 

Conclusion

Cuisinart’s coffee-making technology offers unparalleled simplicity while delivering rich and flavorsome coffee. The convenient auto-shutoff and programmable brewing make this coffee maker a pleasure to have in any modern day kitchen.

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Amazon Disclaimer: prices updated on 2023-10-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API